Industry News

DAYTON, Ohio, April 1, 2015 – WinWholesale Inc., one of the largest distributors in the nation, has selected A. O. Smith as its 2014 plumbing Vendor of the Year. A. O. Smith supplies products to WinWholesale local companies representing the Winnelson, Winsupply and Noland Company brands. “WinWholesale has a long and successful partnership with A. O. Smith Water Products,” said Jack Johnston, WinWholesale president. “They support our growth efforts with great products, great programs and great people. A.O. Smith has earned our highest ranking among many excellent vendor partners.” WinWholesale also announced other Vendor of the Year Awards in the industrial, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, electrical, water works, pump, hydronic and tools categories.

DAYTON, Ohio, April 1, 2015 – WinWholesale Inc., one of the largest distributors in the nation, has selected Unitary Products Group as its 2014 HVAC Vendor of the Year, and Uponor as its hydronics 2014 Vendor of the Year. Unitary Products Group and Uponor supply products to WinWholesale local companies representing the Winair, Winsupply, Winnelson and Noland Company brands. “Unitary Products Group is a valuable partner of the Win Group of Companies and their excellent products and services have been key to our growth,” said Jack Johnston, WinWholesale president. “UPG has earned our highest ranking among our many HVAC vendors. “Uponor was the first company to bring radiant floor heating to North America and they have enabled us to grow sales with excellent product and service,” said Jack Johnston, WinWholesale president. “Congratulations to both companies for being the best of the best.” WinWholesale also announced other Vendor of the Year Awards in the plumbing, industrial, electrical, water works, pump, and tools categories.

Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (www.franklin-electric.com – NASDAQ:FELE) offers the new Little Giant Inline 400 Pressure Boosting System as a compact and economical solution to most water pressure improvement needs. The Inline 400 couples a proven Franklin Electric pump and motor with simple flow-based controls to provide a typical water pressure boost of up to 40 PSI, depending on the application’s need. The unit’s symmetrical design allows for easy installation mounting either vertically or horizontally to fit within most existing plumbing configurations – including those where space is limited. This powerful, yet whisper quiet system is ideal for city water pressure boosting, pressurizing water from a cistern tank, re-pressurizing after filtration and irrigation system boosting applications.

“We’ve taken our knowledge from years of producing water system products and brought that experience to our residential and commercial customers,” said Scott Stayton, Director of Portfolio Management, Franklin Electric/Little Giant. “Our customers told us they wanted to be able to run multiple water sources at the same time, without a drop in water pressure. Our ‘smart’ system self-monitors, so the water pressure remains consistent.”

Available in 115V and 230V models, the Little Giant Inline 400 features a product rating of 1/3 hp (0.246 kW), a 1-inch NPT inlet and outlet, and is powered via a standard electrical cord. Integrated pump protection features guard against over/under voltage, dry run, and over temperature.

The Franklin electronics in the unit include two pressure switches that monitor and reduce the chance of over pressuring the system. A flow switch ensures that it only runs when needed for maximum efficiency.

Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and fuel. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. For more information, visit www.franklinwater.com or contact your local Franklin Electric Distributor.

LEESBURG, Va., March 19, 2015 – REHAU announces the launch of an advanced new weather-sensing control module developed for use with REHAU hydronic snow and ice melting (SIM) systems. The REHAU Smart Controls SIM Module also features an automated option that allows the system to operate with optimum efficiency. REHAU’s innovative hydronic SIM system is designed to quickly and efficiently remove snow and ice from vehicle or pedestrian pathways. SIM systems minimize snow removal and accompanying costs, as well as the need to apply salt or other melting agents that can be corrosive to outdoor surfaces and detrimental to the environment. Installed underneath or embedded within an outdoor surface such as concrete, asphalt or paving stones, the system includes RAUPEX® pipe, the EVERLOC® compression-sleeve fitting system and PRO-BALANCE® manifolds. REHAU Smart Controls SIM Module The SIM controls module employs the unique ability to “listen” to the weather forecast via web-enabled access to the National Weather Service (NOAA) and Environment Canada. Using the weather data and temperature sensors installed within the melting area, the control chooses an automatic idle temperature setting to warm the slab so that melting begins at the first sign of snow or ice. To save energy, the control turns the system off once the surface is dry. “The REHAU hydronic SIM system combined with our Smart Controls SIM module provides a sensible alternative to the annual expense and complication of manual snow and ice removal,” said Ollie Carman, applications engineer at REHAU. “In comparison, operating costs are usually much lower while the ability to effortlessly maintain safer outdoor surfaces during winter provides unparalleled convenience.” The SIM control module’s web-enabled feature also allows the system to be controlled remotely from any internet-accessible device. In addition, the module is flexible, scalable and programmed to meet a range of requirements including unlimited snow melting zones and priority scheduling to clear crucial areas such as walkways and entrances first. The SIM module can be used independently or integrated with a REHAU Smart Controls indoor comfort control system. For additional information, contact: REHAU, 1501 Edwards Ferry Rd., N.E., Leesburg, Va., 20176. Phone: 1.800.247.9445. Fax: 1.800.627.3428. E-mail: rehau.mailbox@rehau.com. Web site: http://na.rehau.com/simcontrols. REHAU delivers “Unlimited Polymer Solutions,” and is the premium worldwide brand for polymer-based innovations and systems in construction, automotive and industry. The company generates continuous growth through its expertise and innovative capabilities in materials development, systems design and surface technology. Approximately 18,000 employees at more than 170 locations around the world ensure success of the independent, privately held company.